76920 fraserburgh and peterhead to aberdeen strategic ......sias limited 37 manor place edinburgh...

$: 76920 Fraserburgh and Peterhead to Aberdeen Strategic ......SIAS Limited 37 Manor Place Edinburgh EH3 7EB UK tel: 0131-225 7900 fax: 0131-225 9229 admin@sias.com \\coral\tpxneeng$\1$
76920 March 2015

Fraserburgh and Peterhead to Aberdeen Strategic Transport Study

Nestrans, Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeenshire Council, and Transport Scotland

Inception Report

SIAS Limited 37 Manor Place Edinburgh EH3 7EB UK tel: 0131-225 7900 fax: 0131-225 9229 [email protected] www.sias.com

\\coral\tpxneeng$\1 inception\8 inception report\76920 fraserburgh and peterhead to aberdeen strategic transport study - inception report_final.doc

FRASERBURGH AND PETERHEAD TO ABERDEEN STRATEGIC TRANSPORT STUDY

Description: Inception Report

Date: 02 March 2015

Project Manager: Emily Seaman

Project Director: Bob Nicol

02 March 2015


CONTENTS :

Page

1 INTRODUCTION 1

1.1 Purpose of the study 1

2 SCOPE OF THE WORK 3

2.1 Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance 3 2.2 Study Area 3 2.3 Study Timeframe 5 2.4 STAG Pre-Appraisal 5 2.5 STAG Part 1 Appraisal 24

3 STUDY PROGRAMME 27

4 PROJECT MANAGEMENT APPROACH 31

4.1 Study Team 31 4.2 Correspondence 32 4.3 Progress Reporting 32 4.4 Progress Meetings 33 4.5 Invoicing 33

02 March 2015

02 March 2015


FIGURES :

Page Figure 2.1 : Study Area 4

Figure 2.2 : Pre-Appraisal Engagement Programme 10

Figure 2.3 : Economic & Social 13

Figure 2.4 : Road 14

Figure 2.5 : Bus 15

Figure 2.6 : Rail 16

Figure 2.7 : Active Travel 17

Figure 2.8 : Freight 18

Figure 2.9 : Environment 19

Figure 3.1 : Study Programme 29

02 March 2015


TABLES :

Page Table 2.1 : Primary Workshops 8

Table 3.1 : Study Programme - Key Milestones 27

Table 4.1 : Study Team and Roles 32

Page 1 of 33 02 March 2015

1 INTRODUCTION

Nestrans (The North East Scotland Transport Partnership) Regional Transport Strategy (RTS) Refresh was approved by Scottish Ministers in 2014. There was strong support during consultation to examine the costs and benefits of re-opening the Formartine & Buchan railway line. In response to this, the RTS Refresh contains a commitment to carry out an all modes study of the corridor from Fraserburgh and Peterhead to Aberdeen.

In collaboration, we – SIAS Limited (SIAS), Peter Brett Associates, and Natural Capital (the Consultant Team) – have been appointed by Nestrans to undertake the Fraserburgh and Peterhead to Aberdeen Strategic Transport Study.

Nestrans is the key client contact for the study, but the Client Group for the study consists of Nestrans, Aberdeenshire Council, Aberdeen City Council, and Transport Scotland.

This Inception Report details our understanding of the scope of the work to be undertaken and our detailed approach to the study. This Report also includes a detailed study programme and our project management approach. The spend profile for the study is presented in an Addendum to this Report Fraserburgh & Peterhead to Aberdeen Strategic Transport Study, Spend & Spend Profile_V2 (SIAS Ref. 76921, February 2015).

This Report builds on discussions undertaken with the Client Group at an Inception Meeting in December 2014, and at a further Inception Workshop help in January 2015 with the Client Group and further key stakeholders from Scottish Enterprise, Aberdeen City and Shire Strategic Development Planning Authority (SDPA), and the Energetica Project.

1.1 Purpose of the study

This study forms the initial stages of a study to examine the strategic transport connections on the corridor linking Fraserburgh and Peterhead to Aberdeen, and the aspirations and opportunities for improvements.

The purpose of the study is to identify and examine the options for improving strategic transport connections between Fraserburgh, Peterhead and Aberdeen including incorporating the Energetica Corridor. The study will examine all modes of transport including rail, bus, road and active travel connections. It should be noted that Dyce is contained within the study area and is recognised as a key driver of the local economy with a wealth of business and industrial parks, and Aberdeen Airport close by. Strategic transport connections between Fraserburgh, Peterhead, and the Dyce area will also form part of this study.

The Energetica project is a flagship project of Aberdeen City and Shire Economic Future (ACSEF), with a 25 year vision to create an exemplar low carbon, sustainable development corridor that will attract energy organisations and individuals to a natural and built coastal environment. It is an integral part of Aberdeen City and Shire’s work to strengthen its position as a global energy hub with the potential to create significant new investment and employment, while creating an attractive and sustainable place to live and work.

This study is being taken forward in the context of both the RTS and the objectives of the Energetica project, as well as the Strategic and Local Development Plans and Local Transport Strategies of Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Councils.


2 SCOPE OF THE WORK

2.1 Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance

The study is being undertaken in line with Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance (STAG) and will cover the Pre- and Part 1 STAG Appraisal stages, which includes:

Gathering an evidence base to support identified problems and opportunities for the corridor

Engagement with a wide range of appropriate stakeholders

Setting Transport Planning Objectives for the study

Development of potential transport options across all modes to meet the objectives set

Appraisal of the transport options against the study Transport Planning Objectives, STAG criteria and established policy directives

Recommending potential options to take forward for further detailed appraisal

STAG guidance will be followed throughout the study to ensure an objective-led, rather than solution-led approach, allowing a robust appraisal of options against SMART Transport Planning Objectives, STAG criteria, and established policy directives.

This is a multi-modal study. All modes of travel will be considered throughout the study process.

2.2 Study Area

The study area broadly covers a 50 mile stretch extending from Aberdeen City Centre to Fraserburgh. As the study is considering connections into the city centre where there is interchange opportunity, Aberdeen bus and rail stations are included in the study area.

It should be noted that the study area extends beyond both the southern and northern extents of the Energetica Corridor (which stretches from the Bridge of Don in the south, to as far north as Peterhead).

The study area, along with an indicative outline of the Energetica Corridor area, is shown in Figure 2.1.


Fraserburgh

Peterhead

Mintlaw

Ellon

Dyce

Fraserburgh and Peterhead to AberdeenStrategic Transport Study

Study Area and Energitica Corridor

10km0

Study Area

Energetica Corridor

Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database right 2014

Ellon

Dyce

Figure 2.1 : Study Area


2.3 Study Timeframe

The study looks to the future and seeks to understand and provide solutions to meet future transport problems and realise future opportunities, rather than provide solutions to address current transport problems which may be alleviated through committed transport proposals and schemes.

In line with the Regional Transport Strategy and Strategic Development Plan,, the study timeframe will look to 2035.

When considering the future problems and opportunities for the transport network, committed infrastructure schemes, due for completion in the next 5 – 6 years will form part of the baseline situation against which any options will be appraised.

2.4 STAG Pre-Appraisal

The scope of the work to be undertaken for the STAG Pre-Appraisal stage includes:

The identification of problems, opportunities, issues, and constraints for the study

The assimilation of an evidence base supporting identified problems, opportunities, issues, and constraints

The development of Transport Planning Objectives for the study

The generation, development and sifting of options to address the developed Transport Planning Objectives

2.4.1 Identification of Problems, Opportunities, Issues and Constraints

Robustly identifying the problems and opportunities for the study corridor and assimilating a supporting evidence base, is essential in ensuring that the subsequent objective setting and option development addresses the actual and perceived transport problems within the study area across all modes. Similarly, it is important to understand the constraints and issues/uncertainties in which the study is framed to ensure that the solutions developed are realistic and implementable.

Transport Scotland stresses the importance of proportionality in applying STAG. Given the wide scope of this study we intend to undertake a comprehensive approach to the identification of problems, issues, opportunities, and constraints which will include:

Policy Overview

Engagement with a wide range of stakeholders

Desk-based Research including model outputs

In order to guide the objective setting and option development, it is our aim to answer some key questions during the identification of problems and opportunities. These key questions include:

What are the current known strategic connectivity problems along the corridor?

For whom does strategic connectivity need improving along the study corridor?

Business? Freight? Industry Specific? Commuters? Social Access? Visitors?

What are the key drivers of the future economy within the study area? How does/will the structure of the local economy impact on the demand for travel?


What are/will be the main travel movements by each travel mode?

What factors are driving travel mode choice? How may this choice change in the future?

What will be the future strategic connectivity problems along the corridor?

What potential transport opportunities are there within the study area?

What is a realistic view of future development levels and patterns along the corridor?

Policy Overview

An understanding of the land-use and transport aspirations of the region will be paramount to enabling an understanding of the potential future demands on the transport network, and the future transport problems and opportunities for the study area. It will enable the presentation to stakeholders of the likely shape of the future transport network, in order to engage on the possible future transport problems and opportunities that may be faced.

The following will be key in gaining an understanding of the region’s future development aspirations:

Aberdeen City & Shire Strategic Development Plan (to 2035)

Aberdeen City (to 2030) and Aberdeenshire (to 2023) Local Development Plans and draft proposed settlement statements

Aberdeen City Local Transport Strategy (currently being refreshed) and Aberdeenshire Local Transport Strategy (to 2016)

Aberdeen City Centre Masterplan (currently being developed)

Aberdeenshire Council’s Economic Development Strategy (to 2016)

Aberdeen City Council’s Strategic Infrastructure Plan (looking forward 20 years)

Nestrans Regional Transport Strategy Refresh and associated Action Plans (to 2035)

ACSEF’s Economic Action Plan (to 2018)

Energetica project objectives and vision (to 2033)

Ellon and Peterhead Masterplans and Fraserburgh Masterplan (currently being developed)

Aberdeen City & Shire Tourism Strategy

These documents will provide us with insight into the land-use and transport aspirations of the region, and the likely impact on the study corridor including an understanding of both committed and emerging development proposals. We will undertake a thorough review of the relevant policy documents to help guide our Engagement Programme, Transport Planning Objective setting, and option development parts of this study.


Engagement Programme

Engagement with a wide range of stakeholders will be an essential part of the identification of problems, opportunities, issues and constraints for the study area. Engagement ensures that the knowledge, ideas, experiences, and aspirations of stakeholders are understood and taken cognisance of. Our Engagement Programme has been designed to be inclusive and allow all stakeholders an opportunity to input to the study. The Pre-Appraisal Engagement Programme includes multiple engagement techniques targeted to ensure buy-in from the majority of stakeholders while ensuring an efficient cost-effective and focused approach.

We feel our Engagement Programme will allow for the strategic transport problems and aspirations of local people and businesses, and all others with a ‘stake’ in the transport network to be fully understood.

We will not rush into the Engagement Programme, but will allow sufficient time to develop an understanding of the shape of the future transport network, in order to inform and engage with stakeholders on both current and future potential transport problems and opportunities.

We appreciate that the order we engage with stakeholders will be important. Information we gain from different stakeholder groups can be fed into later engagement with other stakeholders. The Inception Workshop (held 22 January 2015) with the Client Group, and the other major stakeholders, provided an essential first step in our Engagement Programme. Our intention is that two further ‘primary’ workshops will provide extensive background information from both a transport and economic perspective and allow a clear presentation of the future transport network to inform the remaining stakeholders.

These two primary workshops are set out in Table 2.1. Both workshops would involve both the identification of problems and opportunities for the current and future transport network, while also encompassing discussion on the potential objectives for the study and any potential options that could be considered for appraisal. We appreciate that ideally the setting of the study’s Transport Planning Objectives, and option development should not take place until a full set of problems and opportunities have been identified and the evidence base assimilated, however, in order to counter engagement fatigue, we intend to discuss potential objectives and transport proposals at each workshop to take advantage of the captive audiences.


Table 2.1 : Primary Workshops

Workshop Invitees Format

Transport, Planning, Development & Land-Use

• Council Officers: • Transport • Public Transport • Active travel • Planning • Economic Development • Environmental • Tourism• Strategic Development Planning Authority

Half day workshop to cover:• Problems, constraints, issues and opportunities • Priorities• Objectives• Any identified projects

Economic & Enterprise

• ACSEF• Energetica• Scottish Enterprise• Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce• Federation of Small Businesses

Half day workshop to cover:• Views on problems, constraints, issues and opportunities in the area • Strategic priorities going forward• Objectives• Any identified projects

We believe that by holding one half day workshop we will bring together a mix of individuals with a wide range of knowledge on current, and future, transport and planning issues. The wide invitee list will allow for debate and an exchange of views across the diverse knowledge streams.

We believe by bringing together five key stakeholders we can gain an indepth understanding on the drivers behind the local economy, both now and during the study timeframe, as well as understanding the transport problems and opportunities and their impact on the economy.

Figure 2.2 sets out our full proposed Pre-Appraisal Engagement Programme and the methods through which we intend to engage with each stakeholder.


Points to note in our Pre-Appraisal Engagement Programme:

While the programme roughly sets out the month in which various strands of engagement will take place, this should only be considered a guide. The timings of engagement with the different stakeholders are likely to change as the study progresses due to stakeholder availability.

The Inception Workshop included attendees from Energetica and Scottish Enterprise. Of the two proposed Primary Workshops, the Economic and Enterprise Workshop includes these two organisations again, while also including the Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Small Businesses. It is not our intention to repeat the Inception Workshop, but to open up the workshop to a wider audience to gather the views of ACSEF, and further Energetica and Scottish Enterprise representatives, while providing for interaction on ideas for potential solutions with representatives from the Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Small Businesses.

Any correspondence by letter, email, paper-based, or on-line questionnaire (business, community council, public) will provide an opportunity for the respondent to provide their contact details for an individual follow-up call from us. This will allow stakeholders to discuss any issues in more depth if they wish.

No engagement will be undertaken with Aberdeen or Aberdeenshire’s Community Planning Partnerships. It is assumed that Nestrans will provide updates to the Community Planning Partnership Boards.

Our Engagement Programme allows for email correspondence with both Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire’s Equalities Teams. In addition, we will undertake specific engagement with young people including contact with Aberdeenshire’s ‘Dialogue Youth’, with North East College, who have campuses in both Aberdeen and Fraserburgh, and with Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire’s Youth Council’s.

In term of others with who we will engage:

HMP and YOI Grampian, located in Peterhead, opened in March 2014 to replace the prisons in Aberdeen and Peterhead. It is expected to house approximately 500 inmates. We intend to contact both the prison and Aberdeen Court Services to gain an understanding of the accessibility requirements of the prison in terms of staff, visitors, and the courts.

Aberdeen University, Robert Gordon University, and North East College will be key stakeholders to understand the travel needs of students and staff.

We recognise that the NHS is a major employer and we need to understand the accessibility requirements of staff and patients. While we will consult with the Scottish Ambulance Service as part of our engagement with the Emergency Services, this engagement strand with the NHS will focus on hospitals.

We recognise that Aberdeen Airport is crucial to the accessibility of the region. We propose engaging with the most relevant representative to understand the Airport’s Business Plan and the impact on transport accessibility requirements.

Nestrans has already set up a dedicated webpage for the study on the Nestrans website. It is envisaged that this site will be updated as the study progresses with details of progress and any useful documents. All stakeholders will be made aware of the sites web address as a useful source of information on the study.


March

Primary Workshops Transport, Planning,

Development and Land-use Workshop Economic and Enterprise Workshop

Half day workshop with representatives from ACSEF, Energetica,Scottish Enterprise, Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerceand the Federation of Small Businesses

Half day workshop with key council officers from Planning, Transport,Economic Development, Environmental and Tourism Sections, &representatives from the Strategic Development Planning Authority

April

Environment

Business & Tourism

Major Employers

Online business survey tobe sent to further majoremployers not engagedwith through otherchannels

Tourism

Telephone discussions with:• Visit Aberdeen• Visit Scotland• Aberdeen Outdoor Access Forum

Oil & Gas Industry

6 Telephone discussionswith key players withinthe industry

Fishing Industry

Face-to-face meetingswith key business in theindustry (to be identifiedby Port Authorities)

EnergeticaCorridor Businesses

Online business surveys to800+ businesses.

Bus Rail Ports Freight Transport ScotlandIndividual meetings with:• First Aberdeen & Aberdeen City Council Public Transport officers• Stagecoach & Aberdeenshire Council Public

Individual meetings with:• Transport Scotland• Network Rail•Franchise Operator

Individual meetings with:• Peterhead Port Authority• Fraserburgh Port Authority• Aberdeen Port Authority

Telephone Discussion with:• Road Haulage Association• Freight Transport Association6 Telephone discussionswith the most importantplayers within the industry

Meeting with key officersfrom Transport Scotland(A90(T) route manager, railetc)

Transport Industry

Environmental ConsulteesEmail/letter based consultation with: Local Authority Environmental Contacts, Aberdeen Bat Group, Historic Scotland, RSPB Scotland,Scottish Government, SNH, Forestry Commission, Marine Scotland, Scottish Badgers, Scottish Rights of Way, SEPA, Visit Scotland,North East Biological Records Centre

Community Council & Public Community TransportMP’s, MSP’s & CouncillorsEmail correspondence with each official.

Email to include short background to study andoverview of purpose, with 5 framed questions.

Short on-line questionnaire.

Questionnaire advertised on Council(s) andNestrans Twitter feeds and Facebook accounts.Questionnaire emailed directly to communitycouncil contacts

Phone calls with identified Community Transportservice operators including:• Dial-a-ride• Voluntary car schemes• Community Buses

Elected & Community

May

Active Travel

Individual meetings with:• Sustrans• Local Authority Active Travel Officers• Cycling Scotland

Tailored questionnaire to other interest groups: • Local cycle clubs • Ramblers Association • Paths for All • Local Walking Groups • Local Jog Scotland clubs • British Horse Scotland • Local Horse-riding clubs

Emergency Services

Individual phone calls with eachScottish Fire & RescueScottish Ambulance ServicePolice Scotland

Equalities TeamsEmail correspondence & short questionnaire with:• Aberdeen Equalities Team• Aberdeenshire Equalities Team

Equality & Diversity

Other

Engage via telephone or email

Scottish Prison Service(HMP & YOI Grampian)

Aberdeen University &Robert Gordon University

North East College(Fraserburghand Aberdeen campuses)

Scottish Associationof Public Transport

Court Services NHS Aberdeen Airport RailFuture(Scotland) Transform Scotland

Figure 2.2 : Pre-Appraisal Engagement Programme


Desk-based Research

We need to ensure throughout this study that the position in the ‘here and now’ is considered and that cognisance is taken of past experience and future proposals. This is a particularly prominent interest in this study in that the completion of the AWPR and the A90(T) Balmedie-Tipperty dualling and the associated land-use changes they will bring about will represent a significant change in the transport system in the study area.

In tandem to undertaking our Engagement Programme, we will also develop both a current and future baseline of the local economy and travel patterns from existing published sources and through land-use, development, and traffic projections. Alongside this, our review of the key policy documents will set the context for the supply of transport, and the demand for transport.

In addition, we will utilise the Aberdeen Sub Area Model (ASAM) to obtain future predictions (2018, 2023, and 2033) for the traffic network including the changes predicted in traffic flow, mode shift, congestion, route changes, and emissions in the study area. ASAM reflects the future projections for development as presented in the Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Local Development Plans as well as the following committed transport schemes (due for completion within the next 5 – 6 years):

Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (2017)

Dualling of the A90 Balmedie –Tipperty (2017)

A96 Park & Ride (2016)

A90(S) Park & Ride

Third Don Crossing (2015)

Haudagain roundabout improvements

Dyce Drive link road

South College Street improvements

Berryden Corridor improvements

City Centre pedestrianisation

Aberdeen to Inverness rail improvements

It should be noted that ASAM does not reflect the proposed Expansion of the Park & Ride at Ellon (2015) which is also a committed transport scheme. Cognisance of the potential impact of this will be considered separately.


Further key infrastructure and its potential impact on the transport network will also be considered. This key infrastructure includes:

At the Planning stage (with delivery likely before 2035)

Parkway, Persley Bridge, and Parkhill junction and capacity improvements

Capacity improvements and upgrade AWPR Kingswells North Junction

Upgrade to A944 junctions and safety/limited capacity improvements on access to A93

A956/A90 junctions capacity improvements and River Dee Link

Bus priority measures, bus frequency improvements and additional bus services

Strategic Cycle network

Aberdeen Harbour expansion

Aberdeen Airport expansion/potential runway extension

A96(T) dualling

Aberdeen - Inverness rail improvements

At the Feasibility stage (with delivery likely beyond 2035)

Public Transport Connections: cross city routes

Public Transport Connections: radial routes (including potential for re-opening of the Fraserburgh to Peterhead rail line)

We will also take cognisance of issues which could affect the study area, such as future projections for the oil and gas industry and the uncertainty surrounding these projections. During this research we will also detail any significant constraints, such as environment designations, corridors protected in the Local Plans, etc.

Figure 2.3 to Figure 2.9 highlight the information we will assimilate and our approach to analysing and presenting it for:

Economic and Social data

Road travel

Bus travel

Rail travel

Active Travel

Freight

Environmental


Figure 2.3 : Economic & Social


Figure 2.4 : Road


Figure 2.5 : Bus


Figure 2.6 : Rail


Figure 2.7 : Active Travel


Figure 2.8 : Freight


Figure 2.9 : Environment


Problems, Opportunities, Issues, and Constraints Reporting

The output of this stage of the study would be a detailed working paper setting out the transport related problems, issues, opportunities, and constraints in the study area for all modes. The paper will be highly graphical and draw out the key points clearly in the conclusion, thus providing decision makers with an accessible document and a thorough and robust evidence base to inform their deliberations. We will provide a key point summary, which we would envisage being part of the Pre-Appraisal Report and final STAG Report.

2.4.2 Development of Transport Planning Objectives

The setting of Transport Planning Objectives for the study is fundamental in ensuring the outcomes sought for the study can be achieved. The objectives will be developed to reflect and address the problems and opportunities identified during engagement, and through assimilation of the evidence base, as well as reflecting established policy directives, including the Government’s Purpose, the objectives of the RTS, and the overarching aims of the Energetica project.

The thorough analysis of the transport problems and opportunities for the study, and their root causes and consequences, is the base from which the transport objectives will be developed.

The setting of Transport Planning Objectives will involve:

Initial development of a set of objectives for the study by the study team (based on thorough analysis of all information and data obtained through the Engagement Programme with key stakeholders)

Discussion and broad agreement on the Transport Planning Objectives with the Client Group

Through engagement with stakeholders at the end of Pre-Appraisal (if any comments relating to the Transport Planning Objectives are received on issue of the Summary Note, see Section 2.4.3)

Further refinement of the Transport Planning Objectives during the Part 1 Appraisal, as the evidence base is further interrogated and the study develops

We will ensure that the objectives:

Reflect and support the longer term aspirations and aims of the key policy documents and the Energetica project, including helping to contribute to the low carbon ethos of Energetica.

Reflect the multi-modal nature of the study

Consider the problems and opportunities identified for all the various transport modes

Are SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant ,and Timed)

Are manageable in number (no more than six)

Reflect the desired outcomes of the study


2.4.3 Option Generation, Development and Sifting

Options for the study will be generated through ideas and outputs, from:

The engagement exercise

Historical ideas and proposals that remain viable options

The study team

Any transport initiatives and land-use proposals through the statutory planning and policy process

The generation of options will be an unconstrained exercise to ensure the widest possible range of options.

Further Engagement

Engagement with stakeholders is critical to ensuring a successful STAG appraisal and should be undertaken throughout the appraisal process. Stakeholder input to the option generation and sifting process will be essential. The extensive engagement we propose to undertake at the out-set of the Pre-Appraisal stage is, therefore, not considered the conclusion of our overall Engagement Programme.

We recognise that we need to guard against engagement fatigue and that stakeholders will not be keen to attend supplementary meetings immediately following our initial engagement. We propose to provide a Summary Note to all groups towards the end of the Pre-Appraisal stage of the process. The summary note would:

Provide each stakeholder with an understanding of the study at the end of Pre-Appraisal

Set out the proposed Transport Planning Objectives and ask stakeholders for comment on each.

Summarise the outcomes of the Pre-Appraisal and ask stakeholders for any further thoughts on possible interventions and solutions. (At this stage we would look to continue to populate a long list which could be taken forward with the Client Group to the option sifting phase.)

Ask for comment on the option sifting process and the selection of options to be taken forward to Part 1 Appraisal.

Provide a full explanation and discussion on the next steps

This approach will provide a level of transparency to stakeholders.

It should be noted that the costs associated with reviewing and incorporating any comments received back on the Summary Note have not been included for in the overall project costs as the level of feedback to be expected is unknown. As such, if extensive feedback is received there may be an additional cost associated with this.


Final Option Agreement

We will provide details of all options generated and associated maps where appropriate, prior to a workshop with the Client Group, and any further key stakeholders deemed appropriate in light of the options generated. At the workshop:

We will present for discussion the options, alongside the high level appraisal of each option against the study objectives

We will present our initial recommendation for removal or inclusion of each option at this stage based on our analysis and the discussions from the large engagement event

We will discuss with the Client Group and reach final agreement with those present on the options to be progressed to Part 1 Appraisal

After the workshop, we will further develop the options to ensure that all options to be considered are:

Broadly feasible

Defined such that they can be independently analysed

Any changes to the options will be discussed and agreed with the Client Group.

2.4.4 Pre-Appraisal Reporting

A Pre-Appraisal Report will be prepared which will contain:

A concise summary of the identified transport problems, issues, opportunities, and constraints for the study area alongside any relevant evidence

Details of the Transport Planning Objective setting process and agreed objectives

Details of the options generated and the option sifting process

Details of the final options to be progressed to Part 1 Appraisal

The Report will be highly graphical and provide decision makers with an accessible document.

The draft Report would be circulated to key stakeholders, seeking comments and buy-in. The Report would then be finalised in conjunction with the Client Group and considering all comments received.

Additional time has been built into the Project Programme to allow for the Pre-Appraisal Report to be approved by Council Advisory Boards if required, before the Part 1 Appraisal stage commences.


2.5 STAG Part 1 Appraisal

The scope of the work to be undertaken for the STAG Part 1Appraisal stage will include:

A generally qualitative assessment of the options, developed during Pre-Appraisal and selected for Part 1 Appraisal, against:

Transport Planning Objectives

STAG Criteria (Environment, Safety, Economy, Integration, Accessibility, and Social Inclusion)

Established Policy Directives

Feasibility, Affordability, and Public Acceptability

Analysis of the rational for selection or rejection of each option (involving the Client Group and identified key stakeholders), with a recommendation made for which options could be progressed to a more detailed STAG Part 2 Appraisal

2.5.1 Appraisal

Our approach to appraisal is a critical facet of the study. We have a team of consultant experts across a range of disciplines very experienced in drawing together STAG appraisals that give appropriate weight to each criterion. We also have skilled consultants with specific experience in rail project evaluation, public transport and active travel to ensure that there is no dominance given to road based options which can sometimes be the case when the appraisal makes use of modelling.

Our approach will make proportionate use of modelling outputs but also draw on the professional skills of those undertaking the appraisal. A key aspect of this approach is the role played by our Panel of Experts (see Section 4.1 for details) who will debate and consider all the options equally with differences in opinion sensibly expressed in the appraisal outputs.

The appraisal of the options against the Transport Planning Objectives and STAG criteria will be undertaken using the STAG seven-point scale, which considers the relative size and scale of impacts. Available quantitative data will be utilised in the appraisal.

The appraisal of the fit of each option with established policy directives and the feasibility, affordability and likely public acceptability of each option will be appraised using the Policy Assessment Framework (PAF).

Appraisal Workshop

Once the high level qualitative appraisal is complete, a workshop will be held with the Client Group. At the workshop, we will present, for discussion:

The options alongside the STAG Part 1 appraisal for each option

The study team’s rationale for each options selection or rejection at this stage

A final agreement will be made at the workshop on which options would be appropriate candidates to continue on to Part 2 Appraisal.


2.5.2 STAG Part 1 Reporting

To ensure, as far as possible, consensus on the outcomes, a draft STAG Part 1 Appraisal Report, with Part 1 Appraisal Summary Tables for all options, will be provided to the Steering Group and appropriate stakeholders for feedback before final reporting. The Report will then be finalised in conjunction with the Client Group, and considering all comments received.


3 STUDY PROGRAMME

Our Study Programme is shown in Figure 3.1. The programme, running from November 2014 to December 2015, recognises the extensive Engagement Programme required and time needed to complete the Engagement Programme, in order to ensure a successful study.

Four key milestones, and the deliverable for each milestone, as noted in Study Programme, are shown in Table 3.1.

Table 3.1 : Study Programme - Key Milestones

Milestone DeliverableEstimated Delivery

Date of Draft Estimated Delivery

Date of Final

Completion of Inception Period

Inception Report 31-Jan-15 18-Feb-15

Completion of Engagement Programme

Problems, Opportunities, Issues, and Constraints Working Paper

30-May-15 15-Jun-15

Completion of Pre-Appraisal Stage

Pre-Appraisal Report 15-Jun-15 30-Jun-15

Completion of Part 1 Appraisal Stage

Part 1 Appraisal Report 01-Dec-15 24-Dec-15


Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Study ScopePolicy ReviewInception MeetingInception WorkshopEngagement Strategy developmentHigh level Baseline & Future Data ReviewProgramme, Budget, And Spend ProfileInception Report *Data Analysis: Baseline

Future YearC Engagement *

Transport Planning Objective SettingOption Generation and SiftingConclusion of Pre-Appraisal Engagement - Summary NotePre-Appraisal Reporting *Appraisal Against:Transport Planning Objectives

STAG criteriaEstablished Policy DirectivesFeasibility, Affordability and Public Acceptability

Rationale for Selection or RejectionPart 1 Appraisal Report *

FProject

Management Project Management

* denotes a key milestone

E

Work Package

A

B

D

Pre-Appraisal

2015

Part 1 Appraisal

Inception

2014

Tasks

Figure 3.1 : Study Programme


4 PROJECT MANAGEMENT APPROACH

4.1 Study Team

Our consultant team Commission Director for the study is Bob Nicol. Bob will be responsible for overseeing the study, ensuring it is undertaken efficiently and robustly. Bob’s contact details are:

Email: [email protected]

Telephone: 01738 621 377

Our consultant team overall Project Manager for the study is Emily Seaman. Emily will be responsible for the day to day management of the study, ensuring all tasks are carried out on time and to budget. She will delegate and oversee all tasks within the project and be the key point of contact with the client.

Emily’s contact details are:

Email: [email protected]

Telephone: 0131 225 7900

Emily will liaise closely with Chris Paterson at PBA and Henry Collin at Natural Capital to coordinate study tasks amongst the collaborative consultant team.

Our full Study Team includes different teams across a number of disciplines including transportation, engineering, environmental, economics, and engagement. In addition, we have a Panel of Experts of senior staff who will review study deliverables and provide a sounding board for the study team (and Client Group).

The full Study Team and their roles are listed in Table 4.1.


Table 4.1 : Study Team and Roles

Task Staff Classification NameCommission Director Bob Nicol

Project Manager Emily SeamanPrincipal Transportation Specialist Gordon ScottTransportation Specialist David MurtaghAssistant Transportation Specialist Jamie PenmanPrincipal Engineer Olaf BierfreundEngineer Kinga Wec

Graduate Engineer Steven BrainTechnician Gary MartensPrincipal Environmental Specialist Annie SayEnvironmental Specialis t Henry CollinAssistant Environmental Specialist Tiffany BienfaitPrincipal Economic Specialist Nick SkeltonEconomic Specialist Stephen Canning

Assistant Economic Specialist Raymond MacIntyrePrincipal Engagement Specialist Chris PatersonEngagement Specialist Rachel ThomasAssistant Engagement Specialist Lauren ParkProject Advisor Dougie McDonaldProject Advisor (STAG) Alec Knox

Project Advisor (Public Transport) Keith McGillivrayProject Advisor (ASAM Modelling) Steven ReidProject Advisor (Rail) Scott LeithamProject Advisor (Economics) Paul McCartney

Expert Advisors

Management

Transportation

Engineering

Environment

Economics

Engagement

4.2 Correspondence

The main points of contact for the Client Group will be Kirsty Chalmers and Rab Dickson. Our Project Manager, Emily Seaman, will ensure that all correspondence with the Client Group routes through Kirsty and/or Rab. Likewise, Emily should be the main point of contact in the Consultant Team for any correspondence from the Client Group. This will ensure no information, agreements or instruction is misplaced between the Client Group and Consultant Team.

4.3 Progress Reporting

We will produce a monthly Study Progress Report detailing:

Work undertaken

Any key issues arising

Project Programme update (actual vs. forecast)

Expenditure Update (actual vs. forecast)

The Study Progress Report will form the basis for discussions at the monthly Progress Meetings and will be submitted to the Client Group at least three days prior to any Progress Meeting.


4.4 Progress Meetings

Progress meetings shall be held at monthly intervals or as necessary to review the progress of the project and discuss the latest Study Progress Report. Minutes of all progress meetings shall be taken by a member of our team and circulated in draft within one week of the date of the meetings for approval by the Client Group prior to the issue of the final minutes.

4.5 Invoicing

We will submit invoices monthly. The invoice will detail the total cost spend by Work Package. Together with the invoice we will submit an Excel spreadsheet highlighting the number of hours spent within Work Package by each staff classification as shown in Table 4.1.

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